Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has formally cautioned its members against publicly supporting President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, calling such actions a breach of its internal rules. The National Working Committee (NWC), the party’s leadership body, issued the warning in response to what it described as “anti-party activities” by prominent members who have openly aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a Friday statement by National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, the NWC expressed alarm over repeated public endorsements of Tinubu and his party. Officials emphasized that the actions contravene Section 10 (6) of the PDP’s constitution, revised in 2017, which bars members from collaborating with rival groups in ways that “undermine” the PDP or its elected representatives. The committee warned that such behavior has fueled internal divisions, eroded trust, and driven away supporters—factors it claims could weaken the party’s prospects in future elections.
The leadership has already reprimanded individuals involved under Section 59 (1) of the party’s charter, signaling potential harsher penalties if the conduct persists. While the statement did not name specific members, it stressed that disciplinary steps would apply to “all those involved,” urging unity ahead of the PDP’s National Convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The PDP’s move underscores heightened tensions within Nigeria’s political landscape as parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections. Tinubu, a former Lagos governor and APC stalwart, secured the presidency in 2023 amid legal challenges from opponents, including the PDP. His administration has faced scrutiny over economic reforms and security challenges, but the PDP’s internal strife now risks diverting attention from its ability to present a cohesive alternative.
Analysts note that factionalism has long plagued Nigerian opposition groups, often weakening their capacity to counterbalance the APC’s dominance. The PDP’s latest directive aims to stem defections and public dissent, particularly as it prepares for its convention—a critical event for shaping campaign strategies and leadership roles. Officials called on members to prioritize loyalty and collaboration to “reclaim the party’s mandate” in upcoming polls.
The rebuke comes amid broader debates about party discipline in Nigeria, where cross-carpeting between political blocs is common but increasingly criticized as opportunistic. For the PDP, enforcing its constitution’s provisions could prove vital to rebuilding voter confidence after successive electoral setbacks. However, the effectiveness of the warnings may depend on whether dissenting members opt to reconcile or defect openly, further reshaping the country’s political alliances.
